The fun part of whipping it up in your kitchen is the freedom to create your own flavor (and it’s preservative free!). Cumin and fresh garlic were my add-ins, but avocado, black beans, cayenne, basil, sun dried tomatoes, jalapenos and kalamata olives are wonderful additions. Your options are endless really.

Lately, I’ve been loving pyramid style workouts. Below is one for your abs and it’s nothing short of good. Working out doesn’t have to be complicated. Body weight workouts are fabulous because no equipment or gym is needed. They travel well and are a do anywhere, anytime heart trainer. Grab a friend or spouse and try it out (you can enjoy some hummus and veggies as a reward after)!

Over the last couple weeks I tended my neighbor’s garden while they were on vacation. After making vats and vats of fresh salsa (which don’t get me wrong is delicious) I needed something new to use the bushels of tomatoes I harvested over the weekend. And, I needed forced portion control on all the blue corn tortilla chips that were involved in eating all the salsa.

In my pantry I had a can of organic garbanzo beans, garlic and just picked basil from right outside my door as well. That was the beginning of this smooth, creamy, full-of-flavor dip. I also recently purchased a Blendtec from Costco, which is my new favorite piece of kitchen equipment, totally worth the investment.

Along with hummus, the blender creams almonds, spinach and frozen fruit like you wouldn’t believe. I then drizzled hummus over sliced, home grown tomatoes sprinkled with sea salt and black pepper. A great appetizer or side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Sort of a twist on Italian caprese salad. If you eat dairy feel free to add a few thin slices of fresh mozzarella.

If you’re looking for a new way to use fresh tomatoes or boost the flavor of fresh or grilled veggies this is a recipe for you. Clean, nutritious and summer flavor-full.

My friend Rebecca, a chiropractor at 4:40 Chiropractic, has some great stress and tension relieving exercises on her website. I’ve been obsessively doing the one for neck paint and tightness (my trouble spot). It’s amazing and I’ve noticed a huge difference since doing.

Part 1) Sit or stand tall, bring right ear to right shoulder, use your right hand to provide a little more pressure, touching the right temple. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch. Perform 3 times on each side (Stretches the middle scalene)

Part 2) Sit tall and bring your left ear to your left shoulder blade. Place your left hand on the right side of your forehead to provide a deeper stretch. Hold 20-30 seconds, then switch sides. (stretches the front anterior scalene)

Part 3) Sit tall, bring your left ear to the front of your right shoulder and look down, place your left hand on the back of the left side of your head and pull gently until you feel a stretch. Hold 20-30 seconds and switch to the opposite side. Perform 3x each side. (Back posterior scalene)

Power up with this quick and easy, complete meal-in-a-bowl. Eating lean protein at every meal, and some snacks, is a wonderful, healthy habit to practice. This substance food helps stabilize blood sugar, keep you fuller longer, reduce fatigue and balance hormone levels. What is a lean protein you ask? Well, chicken breasts (obviously used here), lean turkey & beef, quality fish like salmon, tilapia, cod, halibut, eggs, beans, nuts & seeds. I cooked my chicken breasts in a slow cooker on low during the day for 6-8 hours with sea salt, pepper and a little water for quick prep when I got home.

Creamy avocado, crunchy sunflower seeds and juicy blueberries pile a top fresh greens for a dynamic tasty salad. My husband has voiced a requirement that salads need to be “interesting”. I still haven’t gotten to the bottom of what defines “interesting”, but this salad received five stars from Klint. So, I guess I could have called them Interesting Chicken Power Bowls (just doesn’t have the same ring to it).

Whatever it takes to get people to eat vegetables, I’m game. Whether a name change is in order, swapping an ingredient, or adding a healthy dressing. I used a homemade lemon vinaigrette, but a homemade or good, light bottled balsamic would be great as well. Excellent post workout lunch or dinner!

A colorful, hearty and modern take on a classic. Sometimes I just crave a good Greek salad. This time it was sparked by a massive jar of kalamata olives I scored at Costco the other day.

To make this a quick and easy meal I’m finding I like to cook my quinoa ahead and let it chill out in the fridge for a day. Then, I can throw it in a salad, heat it up in a Quinoa Breakfast Bowl (which I am eating on a regular basis) or toss into soup at my leisure.

Juicy tomatoes, creamy garbanzo beans and crisp cucumber tossed in a fresh, light dressing – so delicious. And even better the next day at work for an easy, no heating required lunch. Serve family style with my Greek Chicken Skewers, pita bread wedges and small bowls of toppings like crumbled feta, hummus, tzatziki Greek yogurt dip and extra olive oil or balsamic for drizzling. Simply mouth-watering, that’s all.